The document discusses the caste system in India. It begins by defining the caste system and the four main castes - Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras. It then explains the traditional theories for the origins of the caste system and different perspectives like the racial and political theories. The roles and duties of each caste are outlined. The characteristics, merits and demerits of the caste system are presented. Reformers who worked to abolish the caste system like Kabir, Ambedkar and Gandhi are mentioned.

1. Priya Chaturvedi
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2. Introduction
• The word “caste” is a Portuguese word which means
breed.
• In Indian society, the word caste system or varna
ashrama means – division of occupation and money.
• “Castes are special form of social classes, their
customs and laws are rigid and also separate from
one another”.
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3. Philosphies
• According to it, castes are originated
from Brahmas body- brahmans (
head), kshatriya ( soldiers), vaishias (
stomach / thigh), sudras ( feet)
Traditional
theory
• Castes are based on occupations or
duty one perform.Occupational
theory
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4. • The Sanskrit word for caste is varna which
means colour. The caste stratification of the
Indian society had its origin in the chaturvarna
system – Brahmins, Kashtriyas, Vaishyas and
Shudras.
Racial
Theory
• According to this theory, the caste system is a
clever device invented by the Brahmins in order
to place themselves on the highest ladder of
social hierarchy.
Political
Theory
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5. Division of caste
• Brahmans – These are highest rank people.
• There duties are educating the children, offering yagyas
, study & teach Vedas, performing religion ceremonies.
• It is believed that they live or others and not for
themselves.
• Lead very simple lifestyle- live in small houses, wear
simple clothes and believe in simplicity.
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6. Kshatriya
• Military or ruling class.
• The word means – power & rule
• Their duty is to protect people, upholding justice and
administration.
• Include soldiers and kings.
• They are the worshiper of Lord Rama, shiva.
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7. Vaishya
• It is known as “Merchant class”
• Their duties include – agriculture, trade, cattle
rearing. Helps in economic development .
• These are worshippers of “ laxmi”
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8. Shudras
• Non- Aryan class.
• These include: artists , labours, washers, tanners etc.
• The shudras are the only section of society allowed to
accept another’s employment; other varnas are
occupationally and financially self-sufficient,
• Considered as “untouchables”.
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9. CHARACTERISTICS OF CASTE SYSTEM
- he society is divided
into various castes, the membership of which is
determined by the consideration of birth. The status
of a person does not depend on his wealth but on the
traditional importance of the caste in which he is
born.
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10. - The whole society is divided into distinct
classes with a concept of high and low. Thus Brahmans
in India stand at the apex of the social ladder while the
Sudras occupied the lowest rank.
• : specific occupations are
assigned to each of the four castes. Members of any
caste are not allowed to take to any occupation which
are degrading or impure
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11. – Brahmans are not allowed to
eat non-veg, consume liquor.
Members of a caste must marry only persons
belonging to their caste .
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12. Merits
Unity in diversity: It has achieved a graded racial and cultural harmony in
India.
Co-operation: It has fostered the spirit of co-operation and fellow-feeling
among members of the same caste.
Economic security: By guaranteeing different types and fixed types of
occupations for every man and social group, the caste system has given
economic security .
Cultural diffusion : The caste customs, beliefs, skill, behaviour, the trade
secrets are passed on from generation to generation. Culture is thus carried
from one age to another.
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13. • Preserves culture -Caste system is specially fit for such a
task of handing over cultural patterns from one preceding
generation to the other succeeding generation with little
change, because craft secrets and caste customs are zealously
safeguarded and perpetuated by the occupational castes.
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14. Demerits
• Wrong occupation: An individual may not be skilled or interested
in his caste trade but may be talented and capable of some other
pursuit which by caste conventions may be prohibited.
• Undemocratic: The caste system denies equal rights to all
• irrespective of their caste, creed or colour.
• Untouchability : It leads to untouchability. According to Mahatma
Gandhi it is “the hate-fullest expression of caste.” Large section of
people is reduced to the state of virtual slavery
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15. • Promotes casteism: The members belonging to a
caste carry caste feelings and manifest blind and
over-riding loyalty to their caste
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16. Abolition of caste system ( reformers)
• Kabir – famous hindu poet was against caste system. He
awakened people through his poetry. He taught people
how to treat others.
• Article 17 abolishes “ untouchability”.
• B.R Ambedkar criticised orthodox Hinduism.
• Gandhi ji called them “Harijans”.
• Arya samaj – founded in 1875. Arya samaj strictly
banned division of people on the basis of caste.
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17. • जाती न पूछो साधू की, पूछ लीजजये ज्ञान ।
• मोल करो तलवार का, पडा रहने दो म्यान
• साधु ऐसा चाहहए जैसा सूप सुभाय।
• सार-सार को गहह रहै थोथा देई उडाय।
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